Mathematics in Marian College


Mathematics
Apart from the normal Leaving Certificate Maths curriculum, Marian also offers Applied Maths to Senior Cycle students as an optional extra subject.
A number of staff members are involved in Lesson Study, which is a form of professional development based around teachers collaborating to design a research lesson. The Maths Development Team are using Lesson Study to support teachers in adopting structured problem solving in their teaching of mathematics. Lesson Study is recognised internationally as being the most-effective form of professional development in changing classroom practices. Teaching through structured problem solvingis widely acknowledged to develop students’ ability to think mathematically and to solve problems. More information can be found on www.projectmaths.ie.
At the end of their mathematical education at Marian College, it is our vision that each student will be able to:
- Communicate effectively using a variety of means in a range of contexts
- Make informed financial decisions and develop good consumer skills
- Recognise the potential uses of mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding in all areas of learning
- Describe, illustrate, interpret and explain patterns and relationships
- Devise and evaluate strategies for investigating and solving problems using mathematical knowledge, reasoning and skills
- Observe and evaluate empirical events and processes and draw valid deductions and conclusions
- Use technology and digital media tools to learn, communicate, work and think collaboratively and creatively in a responsible and ethical manner
- Approach problems systematically choosing appropriate techniques for their solution

Higher, Ordinary And Foundation Levels
Leaving Certificate Mathematics usually is a requirement for a great many areas of employment and courses. In terms of the word of work, employers look for numeracy skills in all areas including apprenticeships, nursing and the Gardai. All Institutes of Technology insist on at least Ordinary Level Maths as a basic entry requirement. There are some exceptions, for example, Art Degrees/Courses. A Grade C or higher in Ordinary Level Maths is required for many Science or Commerce courses – this reflects the amount of Maths and Statistics involved in studying Science, Commerce or Psychology.
Knowledge of the Junior Certificate Higher Course will be assumed. The syllabus is presented in the form of a core and a list of options. Students study the whole of the core and one option:


Higher
CORE:
ALGEBRA
Algebraic operations on polynomials and rational functions, unique solutions of simultaneous linear equations with two or three unknowns, inequalities, complex numbers, proof by induction of simple identities and matrices.
GEOMETRY
FUNCTIONS AND CALCULUS
DISCRETE MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
Fundamental principle of counting, discrete probability, statistics and difference equations.
OPTIONS:
Further Calculus and series, further probability and statistics, groups or further geometry.

Ordinary Level
Knowledge of the content of the Junior Certificate course will be assumed.
CORE:
ARITHMETIC
ALGEBRA
GEOMETRY
FUNCTIONS AND CALCULUS
Fundamental principles of counting. Discrete probability and Statistics
Options:

Foundation Level
Topics:
Number systems, arithmetic, areas and volumes, algebra, statistics and probability, trigonometry, functions and graphs, and geometry.
What level of Maths will you require?